I like to think of the Tarot and Oracle relating to the left and right sides of the brain.

Left Side (Logical)

The Tarot is systematic, logical and only has 78 cards. Tarot has 22 Majors which represent The Fool’s Journey start to finish and 56 Minors or Pip cards that relate to personalities and everyday situations. The Tarot is the older of the two traditions and requires memorization to be effective. Intuition does come into play with Tarot but it is mixed with the study and structure of its history.

Right Side (Intuitive)

Oracle decks are less traditional and have varying themes and meanings. They do not have a set amount of cards in each deck or a set structure. They are read intuitively and leave interpretation to the user in some cases. Where as Tarot is a consistent system that can be read with any version of a Tarot deck, Oracles are unique to themselves. Oracles have specific themes and purposes that do no translate between different deckS usually.

Personal Preference

I got my hands on my first Tarot deck and book when I was 14. I love the history and student aspect of Tarot. I took the time to learn Tarot like it was my job (which it is now). My Cancer ascending sign makes me a lover of anything with a rich history so I think it’s safe to say that Tarot is my main dish. That being said I do own BOTH! I have different uses for both Tarot and Oracle decks. For personal readings and client readings I use primarily Tarot. I have about 30 different Tarot decks that I keep in rotation so things never get stale (Venus in Gemini). I love to use Oracle decks for meditation, visualization, scrapbooking and journaling. Sometimes when doing daily readings I like to pull one card from the Tarot and one card from an Oracle just depending on my mood.

Which is right for you?

-Is there one you feel more drawn to? Tarot or Oracle?

-Do you like structure or are you more loosey goosey?

-Do you have time to devote to study or are you getting in spirit time in between work, school and family?

-Does the idea of 78 cards feel overwhelming? Yes/No

-Are you planning to use your cards in conjunction with another spiritual practice? Yes/No

-Are you a details person or a big picture person?

{Maybe you’re meant to work with both!}

Questions? Thoughts? Drop me a comment! Let’s Chat. Head over to my STORE to purchase prints!

I was chatting with my mom the other day and she decided to get her tarot cards out. As we're playing around with some spreads, she keeps going on and on about how her cards smelled like the rosemary and incense she keeps in her tarot box. It inspired me to bless and anoint some of my newer tarot cards and I wanted to share my process!

My Wild Unknown Tarot made its way to me around my birthday and things were so busy I never got around to anointing them properly! THE TIME HAS COME!

GRAB SOME OILS AND FOLLOW ALONG!

1. Cleanse and Clear your work space. I chose to sage, pick some crystals and light a rose colored candle.

2. Organize your deck into three sections: PIPS - COURTS - MAJORS

3. Pick an essential oil that vibes with each section of the deck OR decide on a single oil for the deck. I went with rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus.

4. Freestyle a blessing for your cards. I included the blessing I wrote below for reference but yours can be shorter OR longer! Whatever suits you!

5. Use a Qtip to rub the essential oils of your choice along the edges of the cards so the artwork is not effected. (A little bit goes a long way)

6. As you anoint your cards recite the blessing you have prepared.

7. Give Thanks.

Its a simple little ritual but I find it to be very effective! Let me know how you bless your cards!

XOXO Chelsea

MY BLESSING

Universe,

I ask that this rosemary cleanse and clear my pip cards. I ask that the smell of rosemary activate my third eye and allow me to see daily life clearly. I ask that timing will jump out at me and start to become natural to me.

I ask that this lavender cleanse and clear my major cards. I ask that the smell of lavender awaken my inner goddess and allow me to see the big picture clearly. I ask that past life connections draw my attention and speak to me as I continue to work with this deck.

I ask that this eucalyptus cleanse and clear my court cards. I ask that the smell of eucalyptus connect me to the many personalities of the tarot. I ask that messages come in loud and clear when court cards come up. Thank you for these blessings.